X PARK JR: This nature-themed playscape hidden on a side street a stone’s throw from Kite Beach is a treasure trove of wholesome outdoor fun for little ones. From the extensive wooden climbing frames, to the rock pools and splash area, to the mud kitchen, petting farm and planting garden, there is so much to keep kids occupied, all out in the open air, yet also in a safely enclosed and regulated environment. Children will adore clambering up the rocks, getting soaked by the spray fountains and spotting the gentle giant tortoises lumbering freely through the park. DETAILS: Dh80 per child for two hours or play, with two free adults included, spots must be booked in advance, Xparkjr.com.
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MIRACLE GARDEN: Watch little one’s faces light up with amazement as they enter the psychedelic, flower-filled world of Miracle Garden. From the giant horse heads and larger-than-life cats covered in colourful blooms at the entrance, via the avenue of giant hearts dripping with petals, to the fantastical fairy castle and enormous real airplane – everything is festooned with flowers, and serves as a candy-coloured visual treat for the eyes. This enchanted garden has a feel of Alice in Wonderland about it, and kids will love exploring through the petals, finding ever-more incredible spectacles to gawp at. There are many food outlets dotted about the edges, as well as a small carnival area with some kid-friendly rides, but be warned – head there earlier in the day on the weekend to avoid the crowds and make the most of this stunning, open-air attraction. DETAILS: Dh55 per person (aged 12 and above), Dh40 per child (3-12 years), under 3s free. Dubaimiraclegarden.com.
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AVENTURA PARKS: Launch into February with a genuinely exhilarating outdoor adventure by ticking off some bucket-list activities at aerial rope course Aventura Parks inside Mushrif Park, Dubai. Priced at Dh75 for one, or Dh150 for three, the activities include the Leap of Faith - a pure adrenaline rush of climbing a 5-metre pole to jump off and hit a ball in the air; the Cat Walk - balancing while walking blindfolded on a log; and the Himalaya - racing up a 12-metre wall to enjoy beautiful views of the Ghaf tree forest around. For littler adventurers, the Rangers One Circuit Experience offers caters specifically to younger children, who take on short, easy challenges at a low height. Meanwhile the Explorador experience features a range of ziplines and bridges designed for the whole family to enjoy. DETAILS: One Circuit Experiences are Dh95, find out more at www.aventuraparks.com or by calling +971 52 178 7616.
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JUNGLE BAY WATER PARK: Brand new Water Park Jungle Bay has just opened up in the Mina Seyahi complex, and features multiple attractions for all ages including ride The Lighthouse, Whizzard & Body Slides and Gentle Kids’ Slides. The Aquaplay area is specially designed to engage children of all ages, with no height restrictions, offering clear lines of sight for parents supervising on the sidelines, while Family Waves is a 6-meter pneumatic wave pool offering hours of splashing fun But there’s a catch: you can only go to this water park if you’re staying at either Le Meridien Mina Seyahi (rates for a staycation are from Dh499++ per room with a 25% discount on other spending) or The Westin Mina Seyahi (rates from Dh899++ on half-board basis including breakfast and dinner for 2 adults and 2 children under 12). Don’t fancy a staycation? Check out Laguna Waterpark at La Mer, Wild Wadi in Jumeirah or Aquaventure on The Palm instead, for some outdoor, aquatic adventures this weekend. See Marriott.com for more on Jungle Bay.
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RAS AL KHOR WILDLIFE SANTUARY: Get away from it all at this peaceful wetlands reserve, which is home to hundreds of fish, crustaceans and wading birds relaxing on the water. With the glittering towers of Sheikh Zayed Road an incongruous backdrop, the birds range from elegant heron to majestic osprey, but it’s the flamboyant pink flamingos that steal the show for most little ones, and there’s the chance to watch their daily feeding times from a wooden hide at the end of a pier. DETAILS: Free entry, the best time to visit is between November and April. Feeding times 9-9.30am, and 3-4pm, opening times Sat to Thurs, 9am-4pm, 800 900.
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DINOSAUR PARK AND GARDEN GLOW: These two amazing attractions in Zabeel Park Dubai can both be accessed on the same ticket – head to the Dinosaur Park first, where you can walk through pathways lined with incredible, life-size dinosaurs that move and roar with unnerving realism (faint-of-heart tots may need to be prepped in advance). There’s plenty of juicy information and dino trivia tidbits for mini palaeontologists to devour, as well as a realistic, Jurassic Park-style ‘Dinosaur Egg Hatching Lab’ and fossils to be discovered. Then as the sun sets, head to Dubai Garden Glow for a retina-arresting, brain-neuron-firing explosion of colourful lights. Kids will be mesmerised by the flashing, musical, illuminated displays, which feel like a psychedelic walk through a surrealist’s imagination. DETAILS: Dh65pp, under 3s free, Dubaigardenglow.com.
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DUBAI SAFARI PARK: Dubai Safari Park is back and bigger than ever with new additions to its menagerie of wild and wonderful creatures, including elephants and giraffes. Serving both as an animal reserve and an educational centre, the new Dubai Safari includes a wide range of new interactive, educational and entertainment experiences for kids, including giraffe feeding, birds show and a dedicated kids’ farm. From gorillas to hyenas, lions and tigers to hippos and lemurs, kids can marvel at the majestic wildlife relaxing on the eco-friendly facility’s specially cooled rocks, while learning about their habitats and conservation. Winter is the perfect time to head there to be able to browse the incredible animals in the comfort of the open air. DETAILS: Adults Dh50, children Dh20, under 3s free, Dubaisafari.ae.
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DUBAI CAMEL FARM: Owned by a camel-loving French expat, this friendly farm is full of family-friendly activities, from camel rides and a petting zoo to camel safari and Bedouin picnic, and even camel hugging therapy. DETAILS: Located in Dubai between Al Qudra and Al Ain road, it’s imperative to call ahead 050 485 7676 in order to book your visit , and they only accept cash. Dh40pp, Thecamelfarm.ae.
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LEGOLAND DUBAI: Having been closed over much of the pandemic, recently opened Legoland Dubai is filled with awesome open-air fun and attractions for little ones. Perfect for children from toddler age to teens, there are lots of child-friendly rides for tots such as the Duplo train, as well as more thrilling rollercoasters for older kids and adults, and of course a whole heap of Lego-themed fun. The social distancing is well maintained, with sanitising between every ride, making it a wonderful outdoor adventure treat (although be warned – some attractions that are good for littler kids such as the soft plays remain closed due to COVID-19). DETAILS: From Dh220 per person when booked in advance online, Legoland.com/Dubai.
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LOVE LAKE DUBAI: The Love Lake Dubai comprises two huge interlocking heart-shaped lakes, and is so enormous that it can apparently be viewed from space! Perfect for barbecues and watching the sunset, this love-themed desert lake spot is a great place for a picnic, and is dotted with brilliant photo opportunities. Take kids to bird watch, paddle and play – but head there this weekend, before it’s chock-full of Valentines daters next weekend. DETAILS: Free to visit, Love Lake Dubai.
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